Bikaner-A kingdom in the desert

Updated on March 28, 2012

Place worthy of visit

Rajasthan, the land of colours, arts and sculpture is a wonderful state in India.It had about 30 princely states prior to independence.Bikaner was one of them. Even now, it is an attractive tourist place with well protected forts , palaces, museums, etc.

FOUNDER

BIKANER WAS FOUNDED BY RAO BHIKAJI MAHARAJ,in 15th century. . IT IS SAID THAT HE FOUNDED THIS with the blessings of KARANI MATHA whose temple is situated at Deshnuk village, about 35k.ms south of Bikaner.He was a chivulrous warrier.Rao Bhikaji was born on 5-8-1438;He founded the capital of Bikaner in 1488.Rao Bhikaji died on 11-9-1504.Then his eight queens went 'sathi' with him,i.e. they burnt themselves in his funeral fire.

Fort

Fort and the palace in it are most splendid in Bikaner. Fort is made up of reddish yellow stones.It is very strong even now .Inside this, is the beautiful palace, which was the seat or rule till independence.Some parts in this palace have fine mural paintings of typical Rajasthani type.There is a museum in this palace with weapens, royal materials, antiques, etc.There are guides to take you inside this palace.

Govt Museum

Outside the fort,little away from it, is the government museum in a specially built building.There are many artistic things in this . A three feet high marble statue of 'Jaina Saraswathi" is exclusive to this museum.King Gangasinghji was a lover of artistic materials too and encouraged the collectin of these materials.Some pieces unearthed in Harappa and Mahenjodaro, are also kept here.Ancient coins are also preserved here.

KING GANGA SINGHJI

kING GANGASINGHJI was responsible for the modernisation of Bikaner and its fast development.He ascended the throne at the age of seven, and ruled for nearly fifty years.We can see his statue at fort circle, Bikaner.

Jaisalmer

This is another intersting tourist place in Rajasthan. Interested readers may visit this hub:

More by this Author

Beautiful ladies make a pleasant environment. But beauty must be appreciated with a cultural outlook. Indian ladies are extremely beautiful,both in traditional and modern costumes.Goddesses are also very beautiful here....